August 2023, coincided with the Hindu month of Shrāvan (derived from Shravan – to hear). This month is relevant to Bharat in numerous ways. Historically, this is the month when the nation got its independence from British rule (15th August 1947); philosophically, it brings people close to Dharma by encouraging them towards learning, self-development, and the prayer and pledge of protection through the festival of Rakshābandhan. And this year even scientifically, when ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organization) space mission, Chandrayaan 3 successfully soft-landed near moon’s south pole (1st nation to do so, and 4th to land on moon). Thus, this is the month of Bharat from all perspectives of culture, history, and science. Noticeably, the combination who’s balance is essential for a country’s all-round progress.
Chandrayaan 3 achieved a very significant milestone on 23rd August 2023, which is now identified as ‘National Space Day’. India has now become the world’s first nation to successfully land near the moon’s south pole, the fourth nation to land on the moon, cost-effective (low cost / cheap) space mission, and the most viewed live-stream video on YouTube. The points on which Chandrayaan 2 crash-landed and Chandrayaan 3 landed on the lunar surface are now named, ‘Tiranga Point‘ and ‘Shiv Shakti Point‘ respectively. Tiranga is named after our tricolour flag, and Shiv Shakti is after the combination of man-woman, meant to recognize women at ISRO and the synergy in the organization. The name Tiranga on one hand escalates the patriotic feeling and respect for our national flag; on the other hand, Shiv Shakti reminds the contribution of all and the reminder of two basic principles in nature namely Shiv, and the consciousness, and Shakti, the energy behind the creation.
Independence Day has a different significance. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by patriots in different manners. Some fought for it in a straightforward fashion while risking their lives, some fought indirectly by secretly providing numerous aid through numerous ways to the freedom fighters, families sacrificed their loved ones for the nation, while some finding themselves helpless prayed to get rid of all the ills. Apart from them, some others who were supporting the Britishers for personal benefits and were never punished, even after independence. Also, swatantra Bharat either forgot many of its heroes, or pushed them behind, and is still home to many of its traitors. This day, thus reminds us of the sacrifices, risks, and losses that our heroes and their families faced, which in today’s world is faced by our modern heroes to save this nation at various levels, from various ills, evils, criminals, and dangers both from inside and outside the country.
The month of Shrāvan is important as it motivates us to hear the truth, analyze the information, and gain knowledge. It is the month when no auspicious work is initiated, and the focus is on self-development by gaining the knowledge of Dharma involving both, the universal and individual truths. This month, thus is not only about the fasting and worshipping of Shivling (the symbol of Shiv, indicating the entire cosmos), but is also about gaining knowledge by nurturing oneself in the fire of Dharma through jñana under proper guidance.
Rakshābandhan (rakshā – protection, bandhan – ties) is the festival where rakshāsutra / rākhi is tied around the wrist. Though most famously known as the festival of brother and sister, where sisters tie rakhi on their brother’s wrists requesting protection from them, and brothers pledge to protect them and give gifts to their sisters; this is also the festival where the sacred thread is tied for the protection of the person it is tied upon (Indrani¸ the wife of Indra tied the first rākhi for his protection in the war he was embarking upon), and it can also be tied requesting the protection from the person it is tied upon, of which numerous brother-sister stories are famous. This festival thus reminds us of the importance of people who not only believe in us but also place trust in us, making us responsible and careful for our actions.
In the year 2023, the month of August thus has been very important in the lives of Bhāratiya for scientific, historical, and philosophical achievements and reasons. It also informs us of the balance that needs to be established among the three. This balance is important as scientific advancements must go hand-in-hand with philosophy, to keep the check on our actions through numerous principles such as moral, ethical, spiritual, and so on. We must be able to perceive the impact of our scientific ambitions and how they must be handled. To this, historical achievement is key, as history is an excellent teacher in the world of experiential learning, guiding us in our decision-making through various instances of the past. These three thus when together, in balance, guide humanity through not only material developments but also personal and spiritual developments.
Dr. Shruchi Singh, Research Associate, Kuruom School of Advanced Sciences [An associate institute of ‘Institute of Advanced Sciences’ (INADS), USA]
Vedic WAVES 
Precisely analyse and explicitly written the happened facts.
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Very good article that brings different dimensions of dharma, science and society on one page.
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